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One person has been killed in a massive house explosion near York.

A 63-year-old man died in the fire, which was caused by an apparent gas explosion at a home in Haxby, North Yorkshire.

Three ambulances are on the scene, as well as a hazardous area response team, after emergency services were called at 7.30am.

The area has been cordoned off, and neighbouring houses evacuated. Windows in other properties nearby were blown out, and debris has been scattered across roads and gardens.

Emergency services at the house in Haxby (Picture: SWNS)

One local man, who did not wish to be named, was around 150 yards away at the time and said the explosion sounded like a crash.

‘The house has been completely flattened. It sounded as if a bus or something had crashed into a house, or like an aeroplane crash,’ he said.

‘All the properties adjacent to the one that’s blown up have got damaged windows and garages.’

The house was completely destroyed (Picture: SWNS)

The victim is believed to be a resident of the property, according to an officer on the scene.

‘Formal identification is yet to take place’, he added. ‘It will be some time before we can retrieve the body as the scene is still in a state of disarray. We need to be sure everyone is safe before doing that.’

Emergency services are currently at the scene of an explosion at a property in Spingwood #Haxby extensive damage & area cordoned off.